Local Environment Plan 2011 (LEP)
Local planning and zoning
The Cessnock Local Environmental Plan 2011 (LEP) sets out standards and permissions that apply to land use and development within our local government area.
The LEP allows Cessnock City Council to regulate how private and public land is used or protected through zoning. Land is classified for a range of uses such as residential, business or industrial.
The LEP document and maps are prepared by Council, and approved by the NSW State Government.
Guidelines for planning proposals requesting a dwelling entitlement
On 17 February 2021 Council endorsed the Guidelines for planning proposals requesting a dwelling entitlement(PDF, 325KB). The purpose of the guidelines is to outline how Council will consider planning proposals requesting a dwelling entitlement for rural properties that are less than the minimum lot size.
Apply for an LEP amendment
Council processes Planning Proposals in accordance with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) ‘Local Environment Plan Making Guide’ and Councils Planning Proposal Policy. The guide outlines steps recommended in the pre-lodgement phase of a planning proposal. The purpose of the pre-lodgement phase is to:
- provide early feedback to proponents and councils, in particular about the strategic and site-specific merits of a proposal
- understand the expectations for what justification and key supporting studies are required to support a planning proposal
- facilitate early consultation with key authorities and government agencies to understand and resolve agency issues earlier in the process, which is expected to facilitate a quicker consultation during exhibition
- identify infrastructure needs and determine what form of infrastructure funding may be needed to support the proposal
- resolve planning issues upfront to enable a streamlined LEP making process
A Scoping Paper is required to be submitted to Council before submitting a Planning Proposal. When submitting a scoping proposal please follow the below steps:
- Review the Scoping Paper section of the NSW Government’s Local Environmental Plan Making Guidelines
- Submit your scoping paper via e-mail at council@cessnock.nsw.gov.au. When Council receives the scoping paper an acknowledgement letter and invoice will be sent.
- Pay the required scoping paper fees – an invoice will be issued for the fee. The fees are outlined in Councils fees and charges.
- When we receive the scoping paper we will review the scoping paper and undertake agency and/or internal referrals as necessary. The information provided will help in making the Planning Proposal process smoother and allow issues to be addressed earlier in the process.
- Once we have collected all agency/internal comments a meeting agenda will be sent and meeting will be organized to discuss agency comments, provide early feedback, strategic and site specific merits of a proposal and a planning proposal category assigned. Advice on additional studies and the best approach for the Planning Proposal will be recommended.
Gateway determination
Where supported by Council's Planning Proposal Policy, the planning proposal is forwarded to the Department of Planning and Environment for Gateway determination. The Gateway will determine if the proposed amendment is accepted and the conditions the planning proposal must comply with.
View proposed LEP amendments
To view the details and progress of all planning proposals that Council has forwarded to the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Environment for gateway determination, visit the LEPs Online website.